Helen is an academic, policy leader, and researcher working at the intersection of
digital technology, democracy, and public life.
Dr. Hayes holds a Ph.D. from McGill University. She was named a 2026 finalist in the Women and Tech North America Awards (Tech Diplomacy), and is a 2026 recipient of both The Peak’s Emerging Leader Award and Forbes 30 Under 30 (Education) for her work to engage young people in digital policymaking, and for her teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs at McGill University.
She is both a Peabody Award Nominee and a recipient of the Online News Association's Online Journalism Award for Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling for Left To Their Own Devices.
Areas of Expertise
AI Policy
I research and advise on the governance of artificial intelligence, with a focus on regulation, ethics, and public engagement.
01Platform Governance and Online Harms
I develop policy solutions to improve platform accountability and reduce online harms, especially for young people.
02E-Voting
I analyze the risks, challenges, and trust dimensions of online voting systems.
03Contact Me
Interested in getting in touch? I’d love to hear from you!